The Contract Marriage Proposal
1016 Words
Mark encouraged Christopher to continue by nodding.
"Go on."
Turning to face his friend, Christopher remarked,
"Mark, I want to make a peculiar suggestion. I want to get married under contract."
“And what does that mean?” Mark asked, confused.
“I want to get into a contract marriage,” Christopher repeated in a clearer version.
Mark's surprised eyes widened.
“A contractual union? Are you kidding me?”
Christopher gave a sad nod.
“I don’t want to die without someone having to live on my legacy; my own blood, my own child. I don’t care if it’s a male child or a female child,” Christopher said sadly.
“Christopher , I won’t advice that you do this. You know, most girls are gold diggers, looking where to reap where they did not sow. They are all about the money, especially women in New York,” Mark said.
“At this point Mark, I don’t care. It’s not like I have a choice,” Christopher said.
Mark sat back in his chair and made an effort to take in the seriousness of the suggestion.
“But Chris, who would even consent to such a thing? Marriage is an everlasting engagement, not some sort of business arrangement that you engage into,” he said.
“It’s the greatest solution I can think of,” Christopher remarked.
"I know it's strange. To find a love match is not something I want. I need someone who will be willing to act as my wife for the next two years that I have left to spend on earth and bear me a child or even children that I can leave my inheritance to.”
Although Mark was doubtful, he could see Christopher 's steadfastness in his eyes.
"Chris, that's a hazardous move. Choosing a suitable partner who won't take advantage of the circumstance, won't be simple,” he said.
Christopher stayed quiet as he pondered over what Mark had said. Finally he spoke.
“I know friend but it’s not like I’m just going to choose anyone. Here’s my plan: If I find a woman, I’ll run a background check on her before approaching her with my contract. If she passes the test and has a clean background, then she becomes the chosen one,” Christopher said.
Mark sighed as he acknowledged that Christopher had made up his choice and that it was his responsibility as his closest friend to stand by him.
“I’m good, Chris. If you really want this, I’ll support you in your search for the ideal candidate for this unusual arrangement,” Mark stated.
With worry in his voice, he said,
“Just promise me you’ll be cautious and considerate throughout this procedure.”
Christopher grinned modestly with appreciation. After making their choice, Christopher and Mark set out on a difficult search for the ideal partner for the unusual contract marriage. They had no idea how this choice would alter both their lives and the life of the woman who would ultimately be involved in this unusual arrangement.
Before he began his search, he gave his family the news and they supported him. Christopher started the methodical search for a woman who would agree to enter into a contract marriage with him with Mark’s steadfast support. The burden of his diagnosis weighed heavily on his shoulders; he was aware that this wouldn’t be simple.
Christopher first sought the assistance of a seasoned matchmaker who specialized in unusual and unusual pairings. They collaborated on creating a thorough profile of the ideal applicant—someone who could manage the emotional and practical facets of this arrangement.
Christopher highlighted the value of finding someone sympathetic, empathetic, and prepared to commit to this contract for two years as they talked about the attributes they were searching for. The matchmaker gave Christopher a nod of comprehension and promised him that she would try her best to find him a suitable partner that best meets his requirements.
Weeks passed into days as the quest went on. The matchmaker had carefully selected each of the women Christopher met. While some were genuinely sympathetic to Christopher’s predicament, others were enticed by the prospect of financial security and the opportunity to contribute to his legacy.
Christopher was open and honest about his situation and the reason for the contract marriage during these conversations. He didn’t want to lie to anyone, and he thought that this unusual arrangement could only succeed if everyone was honest.
Christopher’s regular companion Mark provided moral encouragement and acted as an intermediary. He was moved by his friend’s perseverance in seeking a solution even though he could see the toll it was taking on Christopher’s mental and physical health.
One evening, Christopher sat in his rooftop apartment and watched the city lights below after a particularly draining meeting with a potential candidate. Mark joined him after pouring each of them a whiskey.
“Chris, are you sure you still want to go on with this search? We’re yet to find a suitable partner who is willing to commit to this contract marriage thing. It’s either they are just after the money, of they’re not interested, or they just feel bad for you,” Mark said, his forehead creased with worry.
Before responding, Christopher took a sip of his beverage.
“Mark, I can’t give up now. This is my best opportunity to leave anything behind and have someone continue my legacy. I have to put up a struggle rather than just accept my fate.”
Mark nodded in agreement. Even if he still had doubts about the idea, he had come to accept Christopher’s decision. With unwavering determination, Christopher resumed his search, but he couldn’t help but feel defeated.
Christopher decided to take a walk in Central Park one day as a rare respite from the demanding interviews and meetings. It was a gorgeous autumn afternoon, and the park’s colorful foliage provided a brief diversion from the gravity of his predicament.
“SOMEBODY, HELP ME, PLEASE,” Christopher heard a loud female voice, screaming from the bushes.
- Writer
